Solar Lights Illuminate Hope and Homework in Papua New Guinea
Gavuone, Papua New Guinea – In a remote village where the setting sun traditionally signaled the end of the day’s activities, a new dawn is breaking for students. Thanks to a donation of solar-powered lights, learning now extends beyond daylight hours, fostering brighter futures for the community’s youth.
The Gift of Light
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with the Australia-based nonprofit Solar Buddy, has provided solar-powered light kits to families in Gavuone, Papua New Guinea. This initiative addresses a critical need in a community where darkness frequently enough prevents students from completing their homework.
Community Impact
Dahra Latha, headmaster of Gavuone Primary School, emphasized the importance of this donation. We have a problem where children in the community do not do their homework as of no lights in the house.
The solar lights are poised to transform this reality, empowering students to pursue their studies regardless of the time of day.
Assembly and Distribution
- December 2024: Young members of the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Stake assembled 500 kits provided by Solar Buddy.
- April 15, 2025: A ceremony was held at Gavuone Primary School to distribute the assembled kits to every student.
- Students immediately began charging their lights under the sun, eager to use them for evening studies.
Personal Testimonials
The impact of the solar lights is already being felt in the community. Fifteen-year-old Thara Obea can now complete her homework in the evening, after the rest of her home has gone dark. I love this. It’s wonderful. I can read and study now at night.
Seventeen-year-old Benjamin Koio, who previously relied on fires for light, now has a convenient alternative. I can do my work at night without bothering my family. I really needed something like this.
A Broader Impact
since 2023, the collaboration between the Church and Solar Buddy has resulted in the assembly and distribution of over 11,000 light boxes worldwide. This initiative reflects a belief in the power of light to illuminate not only physical spaces but also minds and futures.
As headmaster Latha noted, My children really need these solar lights. Providing these kinds of lights to them will help them do a better job with their homework and will improve their studies especially in the home.
